KILDONAN-EAST COLLEGIATE - Welcoming Students Back - Parent & Community Information 2021-2022
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KILDONAN-EAST COLLEGIATE
Welcoming Students Back
Parent & Community Information
2021-2022
Table of Contents
Principal’s Message ......................................................................................................................... 4
SCHOOL PREPAREDNESS ...................................................................................................................... 5
School Access, Community Use & Entry Process ............................................................................... 5
Classroom Transitions, Cohorts, Student Movement Plans ............................................................... 5
COVID-19 Signage ............................................................................................................................ 6
Transportation ................................................................................................................................. 6
Self-Screening, Symptom Monitoring Process & Personal Hygiene ................................................... 7
Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) .................................................................................... 8
Protocol for Students Who Exhibit Symptoms .................................................................................. 8
Protocol if there is a Positive Case in the School ............................................................................... 9
Cleaning & Sanitization Schedule ..................................................................................................... 9
SCHOOL ROUTINES .............................................................................................................................. 9
School Physical Setting..................................................................................................................... 9
Student Attendance ....................................................................................................................... 10
Timetable ...................................................................................................................................... 10
Class Breaks & Lockers ................................................................................................................... 11
Lunch ............................................................................................................................................. 11
Cafeteria Use ................................................................................................................................. 11
Breakfast & Snack Programs .......................................................................................................... 12
Assemblies..................................................................................................................................... 12
Field Trips ...................................................................................................................................... 12
Out-of-School Education Excursions ............................................................................................... 12
Volunteers ..................................................................................................................................... 12
TEACHING, LEARNING & WELL-BEING ................................................................................................ 13
In-Class Learning ............................................................................................................................ 13
Returning to In-Class Learning ....................................................................................................... 13
The Possibility of All Remote Learning............................................................................................ 13
Assessment & Reporting ................................................................................................................ 14
2Subject Areas & Specialist Classes .................................................................................................. 14
Music & Band Programming .......................................................................................................... 14
Extracurricular Sport & Activities ................................................................................................... 14
Student Specific Programming ....................................................................................................... 15
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) ...................................................................................................... 15
Student Access to Devices & the Internet....................................................................................... 15
Protocol for Shared Equipment ...................................................................................................... 16
Well-Being, Wellness & Supports Checks ....................................................................................... 16
COMMUNICATION ............................................................................................................................. 17
Microsoft Teams ............................................................................................................................ 17
Stay Informed ................................................................................................................................ 17
Concern Protocol ........................................................................................................................... 18
3Principal’s Message
We are very excited to welcome all KEC Students back to school on
September 8th.
Please read through this document for information about the adjustments we
have made with a focus on the importance of safety, health, and well-being
for our students, staff, and community.
These adjustments have been made following the plan shared by Manitoba
Education at the end of August, 2021: Restoring Safe Schools: Planning Guide
for 2021-2022 School Year
You will also find useful information in these documents about our newly
designed school timetable for students.
We will continue to communicate regularly with our community when we
need to adjust this plan. Adjustments will be based upon direction from
Manitoba Education and River East Transcona School Division.
We continue to plan as the beginning of school is fast approaching. We know
that families may have questions as we embark on this new adventure of re-
defining a Senior Years school. More information, including student
schedules, can be found on the Student and Parent Portal. Please look for
these prior to school starting on September 8, 2021.
If you have a question, please contact the school.
We are committed to working with parents and caregivers as we navigate the
return to school.
Stay Well,
D.F. MacFarlane
4SCHOOL PREPAREDNESS
School Access, Community Use & Entry Process
Restricting access to our school building is a strategy to reduce the probability of an infected person
entering the school. Kildonan-East Collegiate (KEC) is implementing a monitored access system for the
start of school. This means all parents or visitors MUST report to the office upon entering the school.
All parents or visitors are expected to use the self-screening tool prior to coming to the school. Masks
are mandatory for any parent or visitor who needs to enter KEC.
The safest way to communicate is via email or phone. We ask that parents, visitors, or caregivers reach
out to teachers, the school or administrators by these means when you need to talk. Please do not come
to the school without first making a formal appointment. Contact information is located on our KEC
school website: Kildonan-East Collegiate contact information
If it is absolutely necessary that a parent or visitor access the school, please watch for clear direction
upon entry in the form of signage and directional floor markings. The office staff will provide further
information and will guide you through the interaction safely.
Everyone who enters KEC MUST monitor for symptoms and exposure. This responsibility resides with
the person or their parent/caregiver. Monitoring is to be done using the COVID-19 Shared Health
Screening tool at: Manitoba Health Covid 19 Screening tool
Hand sanitizing stations will be set up at entrances to KEC. Everyone who enters the school should
sanitize their hands.
Keeping potentially sick or infected or symptomatic people out of the building helps to reduce the
probability of community-based transmission of the virus. Any person who exhibits signs and
symptoms of illness is asked to refrain from entering KEC and to seek applicable health testing. KEC
has a comfortable, private isolation space reserved for anyone who displays Covid-19 symptoms.
While community user groups and school use permits can resume, the exact details of RETLife, City of
Winnipeg programming and other community users will be determined as the year progresses and
school needs are determined.
Contact information for all visitors and community users MUST be maintained for contact tracing
purposes and all divisional public health guidance/direction related to COVID must be followed
(including mask wearing).
Classroom Transitions, Cohorts, Student Movement Plans
As in-class learning resumes for all KEC students, we are putting measures in place to minimize
movement and congestion within the school building. It is critical that students and staff make every
effort to maintain physical distancing at all times while in and around the school building.
5All pedestrian traffic inside the school should follow the same concepts as the “rules of the road” and
the directional markers. People briefly passing one another in hallways without two metres of physical
distance is not considered to be a high risk.
While students will not be scheduled into formal cohorts, we have designed a balanced timetable that
has cohort-based aspects, while meeting students’ academic needs and graduation plan requirements
to the greatest extent possible. Our timetable also allows us to smoothly transition student schedules to
a blended or remote learning model should there be a change to the Pandemic Response Level.
COVID-19 Signage
Manitoba Health and RETSD have provided signage that will be posted in a variety of areas at KEC to
communicate public health best practices.
Transportation
RESPONSE LEVEL YELLOW–CAUTION—Buses will be running at regular capacity and assigned seating is
an expectation. Fee-for-service will not be offered until such time as ridership and capacity are
determined.
While drivers will wear a disposable medical mask, all school bus passengers are required to wear a non-
medical mask. These masks should be put on before getting on the bus and taken off after exiting the
bus if removal is appropriate for the setting.
To accommodate limitations to wearing a mask at school or on a school bus, information regarding the
child’s limitations to wearing a mask must be provided to the school. While a medical note is not
required, details such as the date a parent/guardian consulted with a health-care provider regarding
their child’s ability to safely wear a mask, and your child’s medical limitations with wearing a mask, is
required. Please see the school for the necessary documentation. For those who would like to use a face
shield, it must be done in combination with a face mask. A face shield is not a replacement for a non-
medical mask. For more details about face mask exemptions, see the linked document: Guidance for
Mask exemptions in Schools: https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/covid/docs/mask_exemption.pdf
We acknowledge that some KEC families will need to implement alternate transportation plans. Please
encourage your child to walk or ride a bike. Student parking will also be available at regular rates. If
driving your child to school is the only option, please arrange a drop-off and pick-up location at least one
or two blocks away from the school. The bus loop, staff parking lot, and student parking lots are NOT
to be used as drop-off and pick-up points. Thank you for helping us to keep our school grounds safe.
6Self-Screening, Symptom Monitoring Process & Personal Hygiene
Students must stay home if sick or displaying symptoms. Monitoring for symptoms and exposure is to be
done using the COVID-19 Shared Health Screening Tool. Symptoms may include:
• Cough • Vomiting, or diarrhea for more than 24 hours
• Headache • Runny nose
• Fever/ chills • Fatigue
• Muscle aches • Nausea or loss of appetite
• Sore throat/ hoarse voice • Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Shortness of breath/ breathing difficulties • Skin rash of unknown cause
• Loss of taste or smell
See a more detailed description on the RETSD website: https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/screening-
tool/
Public health orders are to be followed at KEC. To reduce the risk of infection from COVID-19, students
and visitors are expected to take common prevention measures, including regular handwashing with
soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds. Dry hands thoroughly. An alcohol-based hand cleanser can
be used if your hands are not visibly dirty and soap and water are not available.
It is especially important to clean your hands:
• After coughing or sneezing
• When caring for a sick person
• Before, during and after you prepare food
• Before eating
• After toilet use
• When hands are visibly dirty
You should also cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or you can cough
or sneeze into your sleeve. Throw used tissues in the garbage and immediately wash your hands or use
an alcohol-based hand cleanser. https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/prepareandprevent/index.htm
7Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
RESPONSE LEVEL YELLOW–CAUTION—Please be assured that all staff who are working across cohorts or
schools MUST wear disposable medical masks.
Masks offer an added layer of protection. All KEC students, teachers, staff and visitors are mandated to
wear a mask in all schools, other RETSD buildings and buses. Extra masks will be made available
throughout the school year at KEC for those who do not have their own.
While mask breaks will be permitted at appropriate times (when seated and/or eating), masks are to be
worn by students in all school environments. Masks can be removed when students are outdoors and
consistently maintaining distancing.
Parents are strongly encouraged to talk to their children about how to wear a non-medical mask. To put
on a mask safely, perform hand hygiene. Place the mask on the face carefully so it covers your mouth
and nose, handling it with the strings or elastic ear loops as much as possible, and press the nose bridge
to ensure it does not move while it is on. Avoid touching the mask once you have put it on. If the mask
needs to be adjusted, hands should be cleaned before and after adjusting the mask. Never pull the mask
down below the nose, mouth or chin. Never dangle the mask from one ear or both ears. To remove the
mask safely, remove it from behind using the strings or elastic ear loops. Do not touch the front of the
mask. Perform hand hygiene after removing the mask. Non-medical masks should be laundered daily.
Some students might require specific interventions or supports that cannot be delivered from a
distance. Precautions related to these types of supports vary depending on the needs of the individual
student. School staff will be in contact with the families of students who may require this support while
at school.
To accommodate limitations to wearing a mask at school or on a school bus, information regarding the
child’s limitations to wearing a mask must be provided to the school. While a medical note is not
required, details such as the date a parent/ guardian consulted with a health-care provider regarding
their child’s ability to safely wear a mask, and your child’s medical limitations with wearing a mask, is
required. Please see the school for the necessary documentation.
For those who would like to use a face shield, it must be done in combination with a face mask. A face
shield is not a replacement for a non-medical mask. For more details about face mask exemptions, see
the linked document: Guidance for Mask exemptions in Schools:
https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/covid/docs/mask_exemption.pdf
Protocol for Students Who Exhibit Symptoms
If a student develops symptoms while at school, they will be respectfully accompanied to the space we
have designated for that purpose. Should our isolation space be occupied, students who are
symptomatic will be kept at least two metres away from others. A mask is required by the symptomatic
student at all times.
The student’s parent/caregiver will be notified to come and pick them up immediately, and instructed to
call Health Links at 204.788.8200 or 1.888.315.9257.
8A sick child can return to the school, (see What Should I Do if My Child is Sick? and When Can Students
Attend School? at the end of this document), once it has been determined that it is safe to do so by their
health care provider or public health. If that child has a positive test, further direction will be provided
by public health.
Protocol if there is a Positive Case in the School
In the event of a confirmation of a case of COVID-19 connected to our school, public health will lead the
response and provide guidance. Public health will advise staff and students, if they have been in close
contact, whether they need to self-isolate or self-monitor and when they can return to KEC.
Decisions about class or school closures will be made on a case-by-case basis with public health leading
the response and providing guidance.
Teachers will support the development and provision of at-home learning packages for students who
are isolating or quarantined as directed by public health.
Cleaning & Sanitization Schedule
RETSD has worked diligently to develop a cleaning and sanitizing plan for the re-entry of students. Our
KEC custodial staff are aware of and are implementing this plan.
To increase cleaning and sanitation, we are:
• Cleaning and disinfecting with a focus on high-touch surfaces and common areas, however frequency
will return to normal practices. Washrooms are the exception, as they require more intensive cleaning.
• Providing hand sanitizer in all areas of the schools as required.
• Ensuring adequate supply of liquid soap and hand towels in all locations. Ensuring all air hand dryers
are in working order.
• Procuring disinfectant wipes for IT equipment to ensure shared devices are cleaned in between users.
SCHOOL ROUTINES
School Physical Setting
As per the messaging from the Chief Public Health Officer of Manitoba, schools are safe. Each classroom
has been provided with sanitizer to help ensure cleanliness throughout the day. Additionally, soap and
water are readily available throughout KEC. In order to help maximize safety, water fountains that are
not touchless are closed off or bagged so that they cannot be used. Bottle re-fill stations will continue to
be available. Students must supply their own bottle, and these should not be shared.
9Student Attendance
Students are expected to attend in-class learning and to fully participate even if remote learning is
required at some point during the year. KEC will work collaboratively with parents/caregivers to support
learning for students who are medically advised not to return to school and provide the required
medical documentation.
KEC will provide reasonable accommodation for students who have medically complex conditions based
on a recommendation of limitations provided by a health-care provider for these students to not attend
school. A medical note is required and helpful in better understanding the specific accommodation, as
well as preparing for the safe return of the child to school as per regular school practices in supporting
students with health needs (not specific to COVID-19). Please contact the school should you need to.
Families who choose to educate their children at home can find more information about homeschooling
by contacting:
Homeschooling Office
Manitoba Education and Training
1567 Dublin Ave.
Winnipeg, MB R3E 3J5 Phone:
204.945.8138
Email: homeschooling@gov.mb.ca
Timetable
Senior Years
RESPONSE LEVEL YELLOW–CAUTION—In-class learning resumes for all students.
KEC has created student timetables to reflect the provincial programming, curriculum, and safety
guidelines. All students will begin the school year with in-class learning. While students are not formally
cohorted, we have built timetables that can ensure a pivot to cohorts if the need arises. This means that
student schedules have cohort-based aspects to them, and as such, student-initiated timetable changes
will be limited. Considerable efforts have been made to honour students’ academic needs, requests, and
graduation plans.
KEC operates on a 6 period school day. Our bell times are as follows:
Period 1 8:30am-9:33am
Period 2 9:37am-10:40am
Period 3 10:45am-11:48am
Period 4 11:52am-12:55pm
Period 5 1:00pm-2:03pm
Period 6 2:07pm-3:10pm
10Students are asked to arrive at school as close to their first assigned class time as possible, and to report
directly to their classroom as opposed to moving around throughout the building. Students must leave
the building directly following their last scheduled class of the school day.
There will be no congregating of students in hallways. This year, students may have open classes
(spares) in their school day schedule. Students are encouraged to go home whenever possible during
these times. There will be dedicated spaces within the school for students to eat, work, participate in
school-based activities, etc., during their spare time. It is imperative that all health guidelines, especially
physical distancing, are followed.
Class Breaks & Lockers
Respecting the need to limit congestion and implement physical distancing, KEC will not be assigning
lockers at this time. Locker breaks, in the traditional sense, will not be permitted. Students must keep
their personal belongings with them as much as possible. We understand that breaks are important to
overall student well-being. Teachers will build in movement, mental, and nutritional breaks when it
makes sense to do so.
Lunch
Because KEC operates on a 6 period day, there is NOT a dedicated Lunch Hour during which every
student in the school is out of class for lunch at one common time. Instead, spares occur throughout the
school day, meaning that students have opportunities to eat, do school work, and participate in other
school activities at varying times. The exception to this is that all of our Grade 9 students have a
common spare during Period 4 of the school day (11:52-12:55).
Students who normally go home during unscheduled times are strongly encouraged to continue to do
so. There will be explicit teaching for all students around where they can go during their spare periods,
and to eat their lunch, should they need to remain in the building. Students are expected to adhere to
these expectations and to follow all appropriate health guidelines.
Students are strongly discouraged from going off site at lunchtime to congregate at local
establishments. Parents are encouraged to speak with their child about this important precaution.
Cafeteria Use
Our Cafeteria will once again offer service to students this school year. This may be subject to change
depending on evolving public health recommendations. As is always our practice, the KEC Cafeteria will
operate following all health guidelines and safe food handling protocols. Microwaves will be available
for students who bring their own lunch.
Cafeteria capacity will be limited compared to previous years in order to enhance student safety by
allowing for physical distancing. It will be critical for all Cafeteria staff, and all student patrons, to ensure
proper hand hygiene practices.
11Our Cafeteria will not offer service on the first day of school. It will open as soon as we are able to do so.
Once open, the Cafeteria will offer full service to students during portions of Periods 3, 4 and 5, and may
offer limited service options during portions of Periods 1 and 2.
Breakfast & Snack Programs
Recognizing the important role that schools play in the overall health and wellbeing of students, KEC will
continue to offer breakfast/snacks. This will be done following all safety procedures, and without
allowing outside organizations or volunteers into the building to assist with preparation or distribution.
Assemblies
Whole school student assemblies and gathering are not being permitted in RETSD. Smaller or virtual
assemblies are a recommended alternative.
Field Trips
All field trips/out of school excursions are permitted as long as the activities follow current public health
recommendations and orders at the time.
Overnight trips remain prohibited. This is subject to change. Any change will follow public health
recommendations and orders at the time.
Out-of-Canada Education Excursions
Presently, in keeping with Government of Canada guidelines, out of Canada excursions are not
permitted as all non-essential travel is not advised.
Volunteers
Since we are in the early stages of re-opening, volunteers will not be permitted. Guest speakers and
presenters are encouraged to be accessed electronically. If this is not feasible, providing all Public Health
guidelines are adhered to, and the presenter is directly linked to curriculum (this is inclusive of student-
specific programming and well-being supports), they can attend the site.
All visitors must adhere to self-screening, physical distancing, and recommended hygiene practices.
Visitors with any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should not enter the school. KEC will keep a list of
all visitors. To help protect the health and safety of everyone, masks are mandatory for everyone who
enters KEC.
12TEACHING, LEARNING & WELL-BEING
In-Class Learning
As has been directed by Manitoba Education, in-class learning will occur with additional public health
measures. While the educational programming will continue to be best practice, some logistical changes
may be necessary. These changes will include:
• Requiring masks. Mask wearing will be especially important any time students are not seated or are
engaged in group work or one-on-one interactions with a staff member. RETSD views mask wearing as
an important strategy to support the health and safety of all, as well as a key to the re-introduction of
collaborative group learning experiences that have been impacted by the pandemic.
• Maintaining social distance and hygiene within the classrooms
RESPONSE LEVEL YELLOW–CAUTION—Given that to the greatest extent possible a two-metre distancing
requirement is desirable and encouraged within the parameters of all students engaged in in-school
learning, schools will be aggressively ensuring that excess furniture is removed from classrooms to
support the distancing. The division has provided schools and maintenance staff with detailed
instructions to achieve this.
Returning to In-Class Learning
We recognize that students are returning to school with more varied learning experiences than usual,
and we plan to support students with recovery learning as needed.
Learning is not a one-time event. It will be viewed as an ongoing process throughout the school year.
Learning gaps will be identified and monitored. To support on-going learning, your child’s teachers will
employ the following approaches:
• Initial assessments will be conducted to provide a starting point for teachers; however,
information will continue to be collected
• Teachers will plan for instruction using this information
• Students will be provided with a variety of opportunities to learn and to demonstrate
understanding
• Teaching will be focused on goals of building independence and self-motivation so that students
have the skills to move to remote learning if required
• Recognizing the uncertainty of the situation, teaching will be planned to ensure that learning
continuity is in place for students should further disruptions arise
• The focus of learning will be on understanding, not assignments
The Possibility of All Remote Learning
Students and families need to be prepared for a blended or fully remote learning model that allows for a
transition of teaching and learning from in-class to remote with as little disruption as possible. Should
this occur, KEC will be in contact with parents to communicate next steps.
13Assessment & Reporting
Students’ learning will be assessed on an ongoing basis to ensure that next steps are being appropriately
planned for. Learning that occurs in classrooms or remotely will be assessed using good assessment
practices that focus on the essential understandings of the curriculum. Additionally, students and
parents/caregivers need to be aware that reporting continues to follow the guidelines and policies
established by Manitoba Education and reflected in the following RETSD policies:
https://www.retsd.mb.ca/yourretsd/Policies/Documents/IKAB.pdf
https://www.retsd.mb.ca/yourretsd/Policies/Documents/IKA-R.pdf
https://www.retsd.mb.ca/yourretsd/Policies/Documents/IKAF.pdf
https://www.retsd.mb.ca/yourretsd/Policies/Documents/IKAG.pdf
Subject Areas & Specialist Classes
All curriculum areas are important and build students’ literacy and numeracy knowledge. KEC will
continue to offer all subjects, to the greatest extent possible.
Students and caregivers need to be aware that there may be fewer course options than in previous
years, and that graduation plans may need to be revisited.
Programming options such as High School Apprenticeship Program(HSAP)/community referenced
instruction/work experience/CareerBridge that involve programming that may take place outside of the
building is permitted. Specific details will be provided regarding mask use as placement requirements
may vary by sector.
Music & Band Programming
Music programming is an important part of a well-rounded education. Music/Band/Choral classes at KEC
will be running with the following precautions in place:
• Singing is permitted so long as distancing is followed, and masks are worn.
• The sharing of both music stands, and sheet music is permitted, provided good hand hygiene practices
are followed.
• Instruments, including accessories (e.g., drumsticks, mallets) should not be shared. If sharing
instruments and accessories is required for equity purposes, then they will be thoroughly cleaned
between users.
Extracurricular Sport & Activities
Activities are permitted based on established processes and must follow public health guidelines. Team
sport practices can resume at KEC and consideration of inter-school play is under review and will
consider guidance from Manitoba High School Athletics Association and other partners. Please know
that we value the physical, mental and emotional health benefits of sport and will work diligently to
14ensure that our students can have access to those benefits. Students can listen for announcements and
more information about sports and clubs as the school year begins.
Student Specific Programming
As is the case for all students, students with additional needs from K–12 will be receiving in-class
learning as prescribed by the province. Programming for students with additional needs may include a
student specific plan, such as an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or an Adapted Education Plan (AEP). This
collaborative planning will be led by the school team and as needed, supported by divisional staff. If
students with additional needs are not able to physically distance, provincial and divisional protocols will
guide the necessary next steps.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
To support the use of technology in teaching and learning, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) guidelines will
be in place for all students.
Encouraging students to use personal devices in classrooms:
• Supports the transition between in-class and remote learning
• Extends teaching and learning opportunities using technology
• Provides opportunity for modelling and teaching digital literacy practices that will be required for in-
class and remote learning
• Limits the use of shared technology resources
Teachers, students, and parents should be aware of the BYOD guidelines and the related RETSD policies.
This DOES NOT mean that students must have their own device. This approach allows students who
have their own device to leverage its use in class under the direction of the teacher.
RETSD BYOD Parent Guidelines:
https://www.retsd.mb.ca/Lists/Publications/BYOD%20Parent%20FAQ%20Aug%202020.pdf
RETSD BYOD Student Guidelines:
https://www.retsd.mb.ca/Lists/Publications/BYOD%20Student%20guidelines%20Nov%202017.pdf
https://www.retsd.mb.ca/yourretsd/Policies/Documents/GBEE.pdf
https://www.retsd.mb.ca/yourretsd/Policies/Documents/IJND.pdf
Student Access to Devices & the Internet
To ensure all students are ready for a possible move to remote learning, based on need, each school
will identify students who would benefit from being provided with loaner devices that are to be
returned at the end of the school year or before.
15Students who were provided with a loaner device will be given the opportunity to purchase the loaner
device at the end of the school year.
To ensure all students are ready for a possible move to remote learning, based on need, each school
will identify students who would benefit from the opportunity to have the school division provide home
internet access through BELL/MTS.
Parents/caregivers are advised to contact the school for support.
Protocol for Shared Equipment
Students can share equipment as needed; however, it is imperative to ensure hand hygiene before and
after use.
If possible, staff should limit the use of shared resources. When this is not possible, adequate, and
appropriate cleaning must be available.
Well-Being, Wellness & Supports Checks
Student mental health and well-being is a core element of the re-opening planning. It is foundational in
ensuring a return to a welcoming environment that supports learning. To this end, KEC will utilize the
expertise of parents/caregivers as it relates to their own children. Parents and caregivers know their
children the best. To support all the adults who are supporting children, KEC will consider these points:
• Communicate that no one has all of the answers about the impact of the pandemic, but that as a
team, we can steer through the pandemic together
• Acknowledge that we need collaboration from adults to support the social-emotional impact of the
pandemic on students
• Be open to the concept that students are returning to school with the weight of experiences that they
might not have shared yet
• Understand that students will only be as healthy as the adults around them
• Collaborate with parents/caregivers as a coordinated system that gives students hope
As adults we need to remember that children want to be heard. They do not need detailed information
about events, but they do need to talk about their feelings. Let them know they can ask questions. We
should answer questions honestly, but make sure that the information is suitable for their age level. If
answers are not known, it is okay to say so and to look for resources together that can answer their
questions.
Remember that children are often listening when others are talking about COVID-19. Adults should
consider this and minimize discussions of COVID-19 that are not related to the specific setting. It is
important for adults to correct any misinformation as they become aware of it.
16We all need to reassure children that our schools are safe for children when they are consistently
following preventative practices, including environmental cleaning, frequent hand hygiene, and routine
screening.
Parent and student resources can be found at:
Taking Care of Yourself: www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/covid/docs/mpsg_taking_care.pdf
Resources for Students and Adults: www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/covid/docs/mpsg_resources.pdf
Kids Help Phone: https://kidshelpphone.ca/ Stress Hacks at: https://stresshacks.ca/
COMMUNICATION
Microsoft Teams
KEC, along with all RETSD schools, use Microsoft Teams as our teaching, learning and communication
platform. Your child’s teacher will be working, in the first weeks, to ensure that your child can access
Teams so that should schools move to remote learning, your child is positioned to continue their
learning.
Stay Informed
Both KEC and RETSD are committed to keeping our community informed and engaged. At the divisional
level, several structures have been established to support this communication:
Divisional Website: The RETSD divisional website has a section for COVID-19 updates that is clearly
visible and regularly updated with any communication and documents. Parents are referred to the
website through school communication. RETSD website
Divisional Social Media Accounts: Current information is provided in a timely manner through Twitter
and Facebook. RETSD schools Twitter and RETSD Facebook
Divisional Letters: Regular information is provided to all families through letters that are branded with
the divisional letterhead and signed by the Superintendent. These letters are distributed through KEC
electronically or by hard copy for families who require/request this option.
Two-way Communication: Parents and community members can provide
feedback/questions/comments through the RETSD or KEC websites Contact Us feature, Twitter and
Facebook comments, regular surveys, through the school administrator and/or their elected school
trustee.
At the school level, the following structures support communication:
KEC School Website: KEC School Website
17KEC School Letters: Sent to families via email or by hard copy if required/requested
KEC School Telephone/Email automated system
TYLER Portals: Notices and announcements will be posted here
Two-way Communication: Communication between teachers and parents/caregivers is the best staring
point
Concern Protocol
The staff at KEC strive to make the learning experience a positive, safe and happy one for our students.
However, if you have a concern or an issue, please do not hesitate to let the school know. Open
communication between home and school is very important to us. If you have a concern, please follow
the process below:
a. Talk to the person most directly involved – your child’s teacher. If you must leave a message,
provide a day and evening phone number where the teacher can reach you.
b. If talking to the teacher does not resolve the issue, talk to the principal.
c. If you’ve talked to the principal, but the issue has not been resolved over a period of time, call
the superintendent’s department at 204.667.7130 or email communications@retsd.mb.ca
d. If you disagree with the decision of the superintendent’s department, you can make an appeal
in writing to the board of trustees.
Policy KE–Concern Protocol: https://www.retsd.mb.ca/yourretsd/Policies/Documents/KE.pdf
Policy KE-R–Concerns and Complaints Process:
https://www.retsd.mb.ca/yourretsd/Policies/Documents/KE-R.pdf
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This is a living document and will be updated regularly to ensure it remains current.
SEPTEMBER 3, 2021: Initial Publication
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